Snorlax has received generally positive response since its debut, cited as one of the series' most recognizable characters and a staple of the Pokémon franchise due to its simple design.

Its large size and lazy demeanor has led to it being described as "relatable", while others have praised its "cuddly" and merchandisable appearance, comparing it to a teddy bear.

[1] In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon.

This behavior earned Nishino the nickname "Kirby" by Game Freak's staff as a nod to the Nintendo character, which in turn served as the basis for the Pokémon's Japanese name, "Kabigon".

Localizer Sara Bush, on the other hand, remembered the naming process differently, suggesting it was a combination of "lackadaisical" and "snore".

[14] Munchlax also sports a voracious appetite, and evolves into a Snorlax when it has a sufficiently high level of friendship with its Trainer.

In Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, and their remakes, the player must obtain the Poké Flute in order to wake up two Snorlax that block various routes in-game.

In these games, the player must play the radio's Poké Flute channel in front of Snorlax in order to awaken it.

[30] He uses it sporadically, due to its constant sleeping and eating habits,[31][32] but it is a particularly strong battler, netting several major wins for Ash throughout the series.

"[55] Ryan Woodrow for Sports Illustrated stated that one would be hard pressed to find anyone that hated Snorlax, also calling it a simple design but yet "such a lovable cuddly teddy bear that everyone who lays eyes on it falls in love with it.

"[56] Alec Bojalad of Den of Geek called Snorlax "just a big cuddly critter" that was "eminently merchandisable", suggesting it would make a viable option as a mascot for the Pokémon franchise.

"[58] A video released for Project Snorlax, depicting Cubone and Snorlax—two normally solitary Pokémon—bonding received positive reviews from critics, with many highlighting it as heartwarming.

[61] Scientific papers have also been published analyzing Snorlax as if they were real beasts, both in regards to their eating habits and to calculate the strength of their "Body Slam" attack.